Collegiale Claude Andrieu 2The medieval town of Saint-Léonard de Noblat grew up around the cult of its patron saint. The patron saint of prisoners, pregnant women and deliverances, Leonard was (and still is!) a very popular saint in Europe, and has been the object of pilgrimage since the Middle Ages.
Collégiale de Saint Léonard de Noblat classée à l'UnescoDedicated to Saint Leonard, the collegiate church preserves his tomb, lock and reliquary shrine. The architecture of the religious building is specially designed for pilgrims who come to pray and ask for the intercession of the patron saint of prisoners. St Leonard is prayed to for deliverance, from earthly prisons to the throes of illness or infertility.
Collégiale de Saint Léonard de Noblat - Photographiée avec un smartphoneThe collegiate church of Saint Léonard de Noblat has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1998, as part of the “Chemins de Saint Jacques de Compostelle en France”. The majestic Romanesque edifice has received this recognition because of the great development of the cult of Saint Léonard, the notoriety of his pilgrimage from the Middle Ages onwards, and his presence in the “Livre de Saint-Jacques”.
Built in the 11th and 12th centuries, then remodeled until the 19th century, the Romanesque collegiate church is remarkable for its bell tower-porch, gable windows, rotunda baptistery and Limousin portal. Inside, you’ll find a vaulted nave, a lantern tower, a vast ambulatory choir lit by 7 radiating chapels and the tomb of Saint Leonard.
Collégiale de Saint Léonard de Noblat et tulipesLocated in the heart of the medieval town, the collegiate church is open every day. Pass through the imposing portal to enter the building and stroll freely among the curious and the pilgrims.
Verrous du saint dans la collégiale de Saint Léonard de NoblatTradition has it that women in need of children touch the lock to be granted their wish and experience the joys of motherhood. To this day, little slippers can be seen placed on Saint Leonard’s tomb in gratitude.
Autel de la collégiale de Saint Léonard de NoblatPush the small gate to reach the altar. A small door leads underneath. By touching the vault, the faithful can get as close as possible to the saint’s relics.
Exposition de maquettes d'églises dédiées à saint Léonard dans la Collégiale de Saint Léonard de NoblatDuring your visit, you’ll find models of other French and European churches dedicated to the popular Saint Leonard.
This type of church was so named because it housed canons gathered in a “college”. The church at Saint Léonard de Noblat is unusual in that it is at once a reliquary church, a parish church and a collegiate church.
The Ostensions are a religious and popular festival held every 7 years, during which the relics of Saint Leonard and the saints of the Limousin are exhibited. They are included in UNESCO’s list of intangible cultural heritage.
The collegiate church of Saint Léonard de Noblat occasionally hosts concerts within its walls. Gospel, Christmas carols, classical music, Corsican polyphony… stay tuned and enjoy the beautiful acoustics of this enchanting venue!
Proof of the popularity of the cult of Saint Leonard is the fact that almost 1,200 places in 15 European countries claim to be his patron saint.
